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Keep Your PC Humming

 

Keep your gut healthy with good bateria and you will boost your immune system.  The same principle applies to your computer "innards".  Here's how you can maintain the internals with these essential utilities

 

Keep this information current. "News" that is six months old presents a message that not much is happening at a company.

 

Anti-virus booster

 

I use AVG Free Edition on my home PC, and since I first installed it on my computer ages ago, it has been running without any flitches.  Configure the program to automatically update itself with the latest virus signatures - whenever these come out - and it will automatically scan your files every two weeks or so.

 

Anti-spyware protection

 

For this, I have settled for Spybot Search and Destroy.  It does a great job of searching out and eliminating pesky spyware from the mundane ad-tracking cookies to nasty malware and spyware.

 

Again, configure the program to automatically update itself with the latest spyware recognition rules.

 

And are you automatically directed to another site other than your homepage on start up?  This software program will detect and remove those pesky homepage hijackers.

 

TIP: Beware of rogue programs that claim to be spyware removers.  Stick to these choices if you are not sure.

 

Spyware, adware and malware programs sneak onto your computer when you aren't looking and without your knowledge in order to monitor and report on your computer activity.  Spyware operates behind the scenes so you don't realise that your computer use is being tracked or that you re being targeted by malicious ad.

 

Spyware removal software is designed to detect and remove spyware and other hidden programs that you did not authorize.

 
Know Your Computer! 

 

 

                               

 

Click Here for HELP!

 

 

Registry cleaner

The two free programs I have tried are EasyCleaner and RegSeeker.

 

For either program, just run the default registry cleaning option.  You will be surprised at the amount of gunk that the registry cleaners will find.

 

Both will select the option to backup your registry by default, so you can undo any cleaning that causes problems in your system.  It is possible to go overboard with the cleaning, so play it safe.

 

Firewall Guard

Since I upgraded to Windows XP service pack 2, I have only been using Window's built-in firewall.  And it is good enough.  But if you like more control, install Zone Alarm's or Kerio's Personal firewalls.  A firewall blocks unauthorised users from entering.

 

Uninstaller Aids

Despite its limitations, I am comfortable with using Window's built-in Add and Remove Programs function, accessible from the Control Panel.

 

The issue, though, is that it does not totally remove the traces of various applications that are beinbg removed.

 

Why that happens: Add and Remove is basically a launch-pad for uninstallers of programs created during the programs' set-up process.  The problem with some of these uninstallers is that they still leave traces of the programs' set-up such as registry entries and .DLLs (dynamic link library) and folders. This does not bug me: What I do is to run a registry cleaning once in a while.

 

But those who want squeaky clean systems, I have tried Your Uninstaller! 2006 and like it.  Newbies should run it in basic mode, and progress to Pro mode when they are more confident.

 

Where to download:

 

Speedy tune-ups

Temporary files scattered all over your hard disk, Internet browsing histories, and too many unwanted startup programs -- clear them out and make your computer work faster.

 

Again, look to the registry cleaners.  Yes, those tools can be more than sweep your registry.

 

Article contributed by Mike Lee, a freelance IT writer.